Pixar is back, after taking 2014 off. The folks who
revolutionized computer animation have already treated audiences to one of the
best films of the year (let alone, animated films) with Inside Out. Now comes their second release of 2015 with The Good Dinosaur, the story of a
prehistoric creature who befriends an orphaned human boy.

The story begins with a meteor that misses Earth, allowing
dinosaurs to live on and evolve. Several millions of years later, we discover
an Apatosaurus couple living as farmers and welcoming three hatchling children
into their lives. Poppa Henry (Jeffrey Wright) teaches the young dinosaurs all
they need to know about farming, while Momma Ida (Frances McDormand) nurtures
her kids. One of the kids named Arlo (Raymond Ochoa) has a tough time
contributing to the family farm, due to his irrational fear of just about
everything, including a little human (Jack Bright) who constantly gets into the
family’s stash of corn. When tragedy strikes, Arlo is separated from the family
and swept away down a river, along with the boy (later named Spot).

Arlo and Spot encounter all kinds or perils, including a
gang of ravenous pterodactyls led by Thunderclap (Steve Zahn). They also meet a
family of tyrannosaurs led by Butch (Sam Elliot), who they assist in getting
their cattle heard back from a group of Velociraptor “rustlers.”

Eventually, Arlo and Spot make their way up the river in a
desperate attempt to get home, but not before Arlo learns to face his fears.

The Good Dinosaur
is a good, but not great movie in terms of storytelling. The plot is
reminiscent of several children’s tales, especially ones adapted by Disney (The Lion King, especially). The central
villains in the story aren’t developed very well, and the outcome is relatively
predictable. Most kids won’t notice either way, and families can certainly enjoy
The Good Dinosaur together.

One thing that does stand out in The Good Dinosaur is the exceptional visuals, including detailed landscapes
with flora and fauna you’d swear was was made of real water, mountains, leaves,
etc. Pixar is still the reigning king of its own cinematic creation.